As a former runner and now triathlete for Triathlon Australia, this was my first introduction to bike racing of any kind. The start of the race was a blur of dust, wheels, stacks, and tunnels.
Missing my usual swim start, I simply followed the wheels in front of me until the first climb where things started to separate. From the very start, any women near me said hello, and regularly were checking in on each other throughout the entire ride. We were on a journey rather than in a race. From about mile 20 to mile , there was a lot of sand, and plenty of solo time on double track wondering if I was going the right way.
I was buoyed by a pair of women who I saw cheering on the side of the road at maybe 10 points throughout the course. I want to thank those overly enthusiastic folks who cheered madly for complete strangers all day long!
Closing in on mile , I came across another solo female. Like me, she works full time and together we took pulls into the wind along a false flat that was leading into the final 15 miles. Those 15 miles consisted of a 2. As I rounded the final 4 miles, I had an immense sense of accomplishment and appreciation for every person on that course, as well as respect for those who would finish before and after me.
With a few days after the race to reflect and write this, I think my biggest take away was the admiration of the tough-ass women who finished that race. In a hugely male dominated sport, that start line was intimidating and the course daunting. Every single woman I met was supporting one another and ensured that their fellow riders were in a good mental and physical place. It was a pleasure to ride among those 44 women, and I am grateful for them for making my first experience at bike racing a positive one.
